As a cultural scholar, Schmölders is concerned with the histories of physiognomy, book culture, politeness, and conversation in Europe. In addition, she has edited literary anthologies and translated literature and children's books.

Her parents, Elisabeth Schmölders, (née Büchle) was a journalist, her father, Günter Schmölders, professor for economics in Breslau and after 1947 in Cologne. He was among the early pioneers of behavioral studies in economics, including works on the failure of prohibition and alcohol regulation laws. Her grand-grandfather Franz August Schmölders was professor for orientalism in Breslau.[1] Claudia Schmölders heads the Schmölders foundation in memory of her father together with Christian Opelt.[2] The foundation has some connection with the Verein für Socialpolitik, an important association for economics in Germany.